Ernestine Trahan, Criminal Defense Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana

Ernestine concentrates on criminal defense, estate planning, family law, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ernestine handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

  View other Criminal Defense attorneys

• Estate Planning

  View other Estate Planning attorneys

• Family Law

  View other Family Law attorneys

• Personal Injury

  View other Personal Injury attorneys

Ernestine's primary office is at 1628 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ernestine usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Ernestine discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Ernestine for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ernestine walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Ernestine offer a free consultation?

  Ernestine charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ernestine's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ernestine's current terms during booking.

• How long do criminal defense cases in Louisiana typically take?

  Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ernestine gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Ernestine take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?

  Ernestine is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ernestine will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Ernestine?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ernestine will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Ernestine accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Ernestine's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.